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On this week\u2019s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, conversations with senior Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) project manager Jonathan Loree and Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist about some key MDOT projects aimed at enhancing connections for travelers in the city of Detroit.\xa0

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Nov. 22 $1 billion in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants, including a grant for the long-planned intermodal facility in the New Center area of Detroit. This would allow for development of new passenger rail and intercity bus facilities in Detroit to accommodate growing ridership projections.\xa0

The news comes as MDOT continues work on some other key connectivity initiatives in Detroit:\xa0

\xb7\xa0 \xa0 \xa0 \xa0 \xa0A conversion of the I-375 freeway to an urban boulevard with safe access for pedestrians and cyclists; and

\xb7\xa0 \xa0 \xa0 \xa0 \xa0A study to transform Michigan Avenue from I-96 through the historic Corktown neighborhood to Campus Martius Park downtown and allow safer access for other users as well as economic development.\xa0

Loree explains the projects and his work with City of Detroit officials, business owners and residents.

In a second segment, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist talks about growing up in Detroit and how rethinking transportation is aiding Detroit\u2019s comeback. As discussed on a previous podcast, he talks about the social and environmental justice components of the I-375 project and how the same principles apply to developing the intermodal facility and rethinking Michigan Avenue.